Heed Reproof

"He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing" (Prov. 29:1).

There is a stern warning in this verse. We would do well to heed it. Many people in our culture talk as if God is obligated to continually deal with a person. But is God so obligated? Would it be unfair of God to cease dealing with a person?

While this verse doesn't reference God directly, it does speak to His work. In the context of Proverbs, the wise man and the fool are always in sight. This verse speaks of one "often reproved" who continues to stiffen his neck. Such a person is a fool. This passage warns that the one who refuses to hear reproof will ultimately be destroyed.

There comes a point where God says enough. The comes a time when the Holy Spirit ceases to deal with the heart of men. We are warned in Hebrews that there is a day appointed for salvation and that day is today. All of us are only a vapor. Our lives pass so quickly there is not time to waste. When we are called to turn from sin and seek the Lord we must do so with out delay. If we put it off, again and again, we only invite destruction.

The passage warns that repeated failure to heed reproof brings a brokenness that cannot be healed. How much pain could be avoided if people would not harden their hearts to the Spirit of God? How much chastisement could God's people avoid if they would quick turn and repent? What kind of confidence can a man have in his salvation if he continually ignores God's Word and continues in sin to his destruction?

May the Lord teach us humility. May he lead us in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. May we follow in obedient trust and never experience the brokenness the comes from continually stiffening our necks.